Learning Stories

?Karen Ramsey is the Head Teacher at Roskill South Kindergarten and has been a part of this learning community since July 1997. In 2000, Karen participated in the Education Leadership Project and the discovery of Learning Stories transformed Karen’s teaching and learning practices.

This ignited her interest and passion for documenting children’s learning and her vision for the use of ICT began. Karen went on to lead the Roskill South Kindergarten Centre of Innovation Project (2003-2006) and researched "How the use of ICT in pedagogical practice builds community, competence and continuity." (You can read the final report on this research here)

The Roskill South Kindergarten community has generously shared their stories with many and Karen has disseminated and inspired teachers throughout New Zealand and beyond.

"At this workshop, Karen Ramsey challenged teachers to think about pedagogical leadership concerning risk and challenge. She challenged the risk adverse culture pervading early childhood centres in New Zealand and urged teachers to be risk takers in their own teaching and learning. The teachers at Roskill South Kindergarten have a strong vision of what they want for their children, families and teachers and by taking children into Bush Kindergarten each week, a culture of care, trust, risk and challenge is being fostered for these children to learn values and a strong foundation for dispositional learning. Karen urged teachers to have a strong belief in what they are doing and to not give up when confronted with obstacles around risk and challenge. “It is our fear, not their fear (children's) that limits learning.” Karen suggested. A powerful, thought provoking workshop."

Kotahi tonu te Wairua o nga mea katoaThere is one Spirit that flows through all

Latest Updates

Assessment, a mana enhancing process

A blog post from Carol Marks.......As we weave our own curriculum and keep abreast of current theory, the alignment between Te Whariki, Te Whatu Pokeka, Reggio Emilia and kaupapa Maori becomes evident when strengthening assessment for tamariki.....

What a fantastic day at this year's Conference! We had a record number of attendees this year, it was wonderful to have so many passionate teachers sharing their knowledge and experience and to see the deep participation and thoughtfulness from all attendees. We have already come up with some ideas to make next year even better...watch this space!

Let's slow down: Shifting from directing and correcting to a culture of connecting

What busy lives we lead. Always rushing from here to there, structuring our days, and time, to fit as much in as possible. Where does all of this over-scheduling leave us in terms of connecting? Connecting with the children we work with? And why is connecting so important anyway?
Click here to read more from this inspiring article by Harriet O'Sullivan

What an absolute pleasure it was to have Neuroscience Educator; Nathan Wallis, join us in Hamilton to present a seminar: The impact of Neuroscience on our practice. This was a Ministry of Education sponsored seminar, organised by ELP.